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What are your initial thoughts about the concept of Literacy with ICT (LwICT)?
I am in favor of the concept, I believe there should be consistency with regards to the infusion of ICT within core curricula at the highs school level. I believe the implementation of this within a high school environment is going to look different than that of a K-8 environment, as high schools are structured more on a subject by subject basis as opposed to a "whole grade" structure. K-8 teachers often are responsible for all core subjects within a grade level where in a 9-12 environment this is less true.
What implementation barriers for LwICT do you foresee at Senior Years?
I believe confusion exists regarding what the formal introduction of an ICT continuum at the high school level will mean for the current (and recently restructured) senior years technology curricula. I believe there will always be a place for specialized programming in ICT, but at the same time a continuum for ICT infusion within core curricula is a complementary piece.
Generally speaking, high school teachers work much more in "silos" within their subject areas as opposed to K-8 environments where I believe teachers are more used to collaborating across curricula, etc. This will be especially true in larger high schools where teachers are more specialized. This creates an issue with regards to potential reporting, one which may suggest that a separate reporting mechanism would not be ideal in a high school environment. To promote accountability and a tangible "product" if you will, I believe we need to more fully utilize E-portfolios which can span across curricula for each high school student.
What opportunities does LwICT present for Senior Years?
It creates an opportunity for professional dialogue amongst high school teachers, as well as an opportunity to provide (if funding is forthcoming) professional development for staff and potentially mentorship type arrangements.
What professional learning is required initially to prepare Senior Years teachers to begin to use the LwICT continuum?
Familiarity with the intiative and the intent. Teachers will initially be wondering, where the rubber hits the road in their classrooms, what adaptions/changes they will have to start considering where applicable. As part of this, it will be important for divisions to identify local experts who have a well established comfort level in technology infusion within the classroom.
What types of ICT are available to you in your school, but not in your classroom?
I am responding from a divisional perspective, and can indicate that we are gradually equipping classrooms with enhanced technology (video conferencing, smartboards, etc.)
What subjects and grades do you teach and how do you currently use ICT to enhance student learning?
Again, I am responding from a divisional perspective in that I oversee grade 9-12 programming in our division.